Richmond's Maurice Rioli Jr will get the opportunity to wear the 2024 Dreamtime jumper that he designed, with the club deciding to adopt the strip for its final match of the season.
Rioli designed the Tigers' Dreamtime jumper but was unable to wear it during the club's Sir Doug Nicholls Round contest due to being out of the team through injury.
The 21-year-old Tiwi man designed the jumper in collaboration with his mother Alberta Kerinauia, but suffered a serious ankle injury a fortnight before the Dreamtime at the G clash against Essendon.
Following strong performances in the VFL, Rioli will return to the Tigers' line-up for tomorrow's clash against the Gold Coast at the MCG.
Richmond coach Adem Yze told the playing group that they would be wearing the Dreamtime jumper during a club meeting on Friday.
"You've got the opportunity to do the jumper proud and it's a responsibility for the club," Yze said.
"When I talk about the jumper – because this guy didn't get an opportunity to wear it – so we're playing in the Dreamtime guernsey that he designed."
The Tigers wore the Dreamtime jumper for its marquee match against the Bombers – a 12-point loss – in Round 11.
The design features two of Rioli's family totems – the turtle from his father's side, and the crocodile from his mother's.
"We all get our totems from our dad's side of the family," Rioli Jr said.
"We have all the seen the turtle before from Daniel's (2019) Dreamtime guernsey... So basically, I did a (Rioli) design, and Mum did a (Kerinauia) design, and then we put it together.
"My mum is an artist as well, so I thought I would get her to do it with me – obviously, she is special to me, so why not do it together? I can't wait to put it on."
The spears on the back of the jumper detail those used for hunting and battling on the Tiwi Islands.
These spears have traditionally been used to provide food for families and also represent Rioli's ancestors going in to battle.
"The patterns on the side signify the numerous people that I have met and that have helped me on this journey, Rioli said.
"The line that runs through the sash is the path that my father created for me, along with the support and help from my mother."
Rioli returns to the AFL team after posting a 17-disposal eight-tackle performance against Carlton in the VFL last weekend.
The defensive forward recently signed a new two-year deal with the club that will see him remain at Punt Road until at least the end of the 2026 season.
